Curieuse Island is the 5th largest inland island in Seychelles, and it is positioned near the northwest coast of Praslin Island. It boasts a pristine desolate tract and liked photograph spots, which include fantastic granite beaches and picturesque strolls of a number of the freely roaming giant tortoises. It was declared a country-wide park in 1979. Three colors define its essence: the red of the land, the inexperienced of the coconut groves, and the multicolored blue of the heavenly waters.
Curieuse Island is part of the Seychelles archipelago, and its lush herbal surroundings are protected. In fact, the island actively participates in the conservation of various plant species, which includes the ocean, coconut, and mangroves. The surrounding waters are a haven for plentiful marine existence and are officially protected. The well-known "Coral Gardens" (Red Point) on the eastern coast of Curieuse Island is a famous diving spot that presents wealthy marine biodiversity.
Map of Curieuse Island
| Name | Curieuse Island (Ile Rouge) |
| Country | Seychelles |
| Districts | Baie Sainte Anne |
| Coordinates | 4°17′00″S 55°43′25″E |
| Area | 2.93 km2 (1.13 sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+4 |
| Population | Park rangers station (pop. 7) |
| Airport | N/A |
History of Curieuse Island
Curieuse Island hasn't constantly carried this call! Indeed, due to its vibrant purple soil, it became initially nicknamed the "Red Island" through its discoverers. The call we understand these days is credited to the French explorer Marion-Dufresne, who named it after his ship, the Curieuse. It is well worth noting that European settlers, in their quest for less complicated access to sea coconuts, induced extensive destruction to the island's vegetation and fauna by putting fire to components of it… However, even these days, the island remains rich in assets.
Subsequently, in 1833, the island became a leper colony for over a century! This may additionally come as a surprise, but it served a very particular cause. It changed into a method aimed toward retaining humans far from the island, not directly defending its particular natural world. There have been only a dozen people on the island, including resident physicians. His house, a French colonial-generation building, has now been transformed into a museum.
Since the Seventies, the island has been a national park of Seychelles, devoted to the safety of each of its terrestrial and marine ecosystems, which include turtles and tortoises and a much wider variety of plant and animal species.
How to Get to Curieuse Island
Curieuse Island stands as a top traveler destination. Unfortunately, because of its status as a nature reserve, a single-day stay on the island is not authorized. Curieuse is a protected island that has but to be advanced for tourism, as evidenced by the absence of motels or eating places. The best way to explore Curieuse is to take a tour through GetYourGuide or Viator. These excursions regularly include stops at different islands including Cousin Island and Cousine Island for lunch and rest.
Curieuse Island and the Marine National Park are open every day, including public vacations. The commencing hours of the shield base are from 8 am to 5 pm.
Visitors who prefer to travel via private yacht or constitution a ship to the island will be required to pay a front fee to get the right of entry to the park and might most effectively anchor at exact locations to protect the coral reefs. Overnight anchoring additionally incurs a rate. Those embarking on private trips have to bring their very own food and beverages, as there are no facilities on the island.
Things to See and Do in Curieuse Island
Giant tortoises, superb creatures
Approximately 500 people inhabit diverse elements of the island, with nearly two hundred of them still in the wild! Therefore, after anchoring near Curieuse for a day, you could encounter this type of majestic sea turtle at some stage in your walks or hikes. It is undoubtedly a unique enjoy. Do take word that these turtles average a weight of 250 kilograms with a length exceeding 1.2 meters, and most of them are over a hundred years old!
In the place of Laramie Baie, it's far more commonplace to look at turtles poking their noses alongside your path. Seize the opportunity to present them with a gentle scratch on the head, as they immensely enjoy it! If you want to get toward the turtles, we advise traveling to the traveler center close to Laraie Baie in the southeastern part of the island. Many turtles reside in this region as it's miles in which they're cared for and fed. Further west, at the seashores across the "Doctor's House," turtles may be visible nesting and laying their eggs. You can also go to the turtle sanctuary in Anse Papaie to interact with them. If you show up to charter a ship in Seychelles between November and December, you could actually be in danger of witnessing baby turtles!
Sea Coconut, bushes of unprecedented uniqueness!
The sea coconut is a specific palm tree. As defined by a neighborhood ranger on the island, Curieuse is the most superficial region on Earth in which you possibly can respect them. Please observe that it's one of the longest-dwelling plants in the world, taking almost 25 years to attain maturity. This is likewise why they are so diligently included in this area. These palm trees endure the most enormous coconuts in the world, weighing up to 20 kilos!
Another top-notch function is that after they mature, these sea coconuts anticipate a form that is quite suggestive which has led to them being affectionately known as "butt coconuts." Their cultivation is relatively restrained, and one needs to spend numerous hundred euros to gather a certificate proving the legal "harvesting" with the aim of conveying one return.
Marvelous landscapes
Curieuse Island in Seychelles holds different hidden treasures that are ready to be discovered. For example, you may stumble upon the towering Takamaka trees or various species of birds, such as the Seychelles Vaza, a black parrot observed nowhere else.
The underwater realm is similarly wealthy and guarded, with coral gardens that offer unforgettable snorkeling or diving stories! Afterward, a visit to Saint Pierre Island, a lovely little isle taken into consideration as one of the finest diving spots in Seychelles, is so.
Furthermore, please note that some of the trails in Curieuse offer complimentary trekking possibilities. One can also marvel at rock formations and true geological wonders, with one of the most impressive structures, such as an arch, placed on the brink of a seashore.
Historic buildings on Curieuse Island
The Doctor's House stands as some other ancient landmark. This remarkably restored grand colonial villa serves as an exemplar of Creole colonial architecture and now houses the museum of Curieuse Island's ecology and history.
The seaside in front of the Doctor's House is a nesting site for inexperienced turtles, and site visitors arriving between November and December have the opportunity to witness the hatchlings. These precious eggs are diligently safeguarded with the aid of worldwide groups.
Useful Information for Curieuse Island
- When is the best time to visit?
The length from April to October is most suitable for boat excursions, as it's miles the dry season and gives the best climate.
- How do I get there?
Curieuse Island is only a 15 to 25 boat ride from Anse Volbert on Praslin Island's eastern coast.
- What are the terms and situations?
Please be conscious that there is a tax of 13 euros for journeying the island. You should anchor simplest at precise places to keep away from unfavorable coral reefs. Additionally, if you pick out to anchor in a single day in Curieuse, there may be a rate for a single day mooring. One of the blessings is the possibility of having a beach fish fry and satisfying your flavor buds!
Curieuse Island Tours
Curieuse and St Pierre Island Excursion Island BBQ Included. Kreol Adventures Boat is the biggest vessel on Praslin Island, providing remarkably spacious, snug, and stable surroundings and a unique manner of travel from Praslin Island to Curieuse Island and Saint Pierre Island. Their green group can be there to help you on board as you enjoy a quick adventure via the shimmering blue waters to reach the seashores of Curieuse Island. They provide a cruise to Curieuse Island with a guide and a lovely barbeque lunch. Once you disembark on Curieuse Island, you'll have the opportunity to discover the plants and fauna with a skilled guide. Then, it is off to Saint Pierre Island for snorkeling, where you may find the underwater world of Saint Pierre Island.
Private Seychelles Islands Tour by Boat. This itinerary includes visits to both Curieuse Island and Saint Pierre Island, allowing you to save time and discover more than one island along the way. Leave the concerns of bringing your very own food and liquids in the back, as refreshments will be provided during the journey. Additionally, you have the choice to hire their snorkeling device, making it handy to delve into the enchanting underwater world.
Beautiful island tour 5-6 hours | Mahé | Seychelles | Private Tour | Day trip is genuinely ideal for first-time visitors and those with limited time on the island. You will have the opportunity to witness all the major attractions, as well as some hidden gems that you might otherwise overlook. Its greatest feature lies in the fact that the itinerary can be fully customized according to your interests, allowing you to learn about the history and culture of Seychelles directly from your knowledgeable guide.
